Going nuclear: Greek shipowners and Gov meet IAEA chief to discuss the idea

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi met the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) last week in Athens. The discussions were focused on how nuclear science and technology can help decarbonise one of the world’s most critical sectors, shipping.

The talks come as the IAEA launches its Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) project, an initiative aimed at establishing a framework for the safe and secure deployment of civil nuclear applications at sea. The IAEA, in co-operation with the IMO, will oversee and guide this global effort, using its established standards for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

The project is targeting multiple maritime applications including ports, harbours, and offshore industries.

Grossi, director general at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), unveiled the project during an initial fact-finding workshop in London last August, hosted by class society Lloyd’s Register (LR), which brought together nuclear and maritime regulators, including the IMO, operators of nuclear assets, insurers, and ports to address the challenges and opportunities of deploying nuclear technology in